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Paternity Pay Calculator

Marcus Sterling

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Marcus Sterling

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Use this Paternity Pay Calculator to discover exactly how much financial support you are entitled to during paternity leave based on the updated 2026 UK statutory rates. The tool helps you determine your household budget and understand your eligibility for the £194.32 weekly rate, allowing you to input your salary annually, monthly, or weekly. It provides a clear breakdown of your statutory entitlement so you can plan your time off with financial certainty.

🧸 Planning for your return to work? Our Calculate Nursery Fees with 30 Hours Free tool helps you estimate your childcare costs once your paternity leave ends. Make sure to check it out right after this Paternity Pay guide!

What is the Paternity Pay Calculator?

The Paternity Pay Calculator is a specialised financial planning tool designed for fathers and partners in the UK to estimate their Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP). As of April 2026, the UK government has implemented new statutory rates to keep pace with inflation, making it vital for parents to recalculate their expected income during their one or two weeks of leave.

This tool is essential because it handles the complex conversion between a “Gross Annual Salary” and the “Average Weekly Earnings” (AWE) used by HMRC. Whether you are paid annually, weekly, or monthly, the calculator applies the 90% earnings cap and the £194.32 statutory ceiling to provide a precise out-of-pocket estimate for your time away from work.

How is Statutory Paternity Pay calculated in 2026?

Statutory Paternity Pay is the minimum legal amount an employer must pay an eligible employee. For the 2026/27 tax year, the government has set a flat rate that is adjusted annually. However, the calculation is not a simple flat fee for everyone; it is subject to an earnings-based “cap.”

To calculate your weekly paternity pay (W) based on your average weekly earnings (A), the formula used is:

W = min(£194.32, A x 0.90)

According to recent data from Acas (2026), the 2026 statutory rate of £194.32 represents the maximum weekly entitlement (Acas). If 90% of your average weekly earnings is less than £194.32, you will receive the lower amount.

Example Paternity Pay Calculation

To understand how the statutory cap works with an annual salary input, consider this practical example.

Example: James has a gross annual salary of £28,000 and takes two weeks of paternity leave.

  • Average Weekly Earnings: £538.46 (£28,000 ÷ 52 weeks).
  • 90% of Earnings: £484.61.
  • Statutory Cap: £194.32.

Total paternity pay estimate:

  • Since 90% of James’s pay (£484.61) is higher than the cap, he receives the flat rate of £194.32 per week.
  • Total for 2 weeks = 2 x £194.32 = £388.64.

James now knows his income for that fortnight will be £388.64 (before tax) rather than his usual salary.

Eligibility Rules: The 26-week service requirement

While the UK government introduced “Day One” rights for paternity leave in April 2026, the rules for pay remain more stringent. To qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay through your employer, you must meet the “Continuity of Employment” test. You must have been employed by the same employer for at least 26 consecutive weeks leading up to the “qualifying week” (the 15th week before the baby’s due date) (GOV.UK).

The Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) and qualifying pay

The Paternity Pay Calculator includes a built-in check for the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL). To be eligible for any statutory payment, your average weekly earnings must meet or exceed a specific threshold. For the 2026/27 tax year, the Lower Earnings Limit is £129.00 per week. If your average earnings fall below this figure, you will not qualify for Statutory Paternity Pay.

Paternity Leave vs Paternity Pay: Day-one rights explained

A major legislative shift in early 2026 saw the removal of the service requirement for taking paternity leave. This is now a “Day One” right, meaning an employee can take their two weeks of leave regardless of how long they have been in their role. However, your employer is only obligated to provide pay if you meet the 26-week service rule and the earnings threshold mentioned above.

HMRC Notice Periods: The 15th-week rule

To secure your paternity pay, you must adhere to strict HMRC notice periods:

  • 15 Weeks Before: Inform your employer of the due date and your intended start date by the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth.
  • 28 Days: If you change the start date, you must give your employer at least 28 days’ notice.
  • Self-Certification: You may be required to complete form SC3 to confirm your eligibility.

How to use the Paternity Pay Calculator

  1. Select salary basis: Choose Annually, Monthly, or Weekly depending on how you are paid.
  2. Enter gross salary: Input your pay before tax, National Insurance, or pension deductions.
  3. Length of Leave: Choose between 1 week or 2 weeks.
  4. Eligibility Check: Tick the box if you have been with your employer for at least 26 weeks.
  5. Result: The calculator will show your “Calculated Weekly Average” and the “Total Paternity Pay” for your leave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I am self-employed?
Statutory Paternity Pay is only available to employees. If you are self-employed, you are unfortunately not eligible for SPP. You should check if you qualify for Universal Credit during your time off.

Can I take Paternity Leave if the baby is born early?
Yes. If the baby is born early, you can start your leave the day after the birth. You must notify your employer as soon as is reasonably practicable.

Is Paternity Pay taxable?
Yes. Statutory Paternity Pay is treated as normal earnings. Your employer will deduct Income Tax and National Insurance contributions before it is paid to you.

Can I take my 2 weeks of leave at different times?
Yes. Under the 2026 rules, you have the flexibility to take your two weeks of leave either as a single block or as two separate one-week blocks at any time during the first 52 weeks after the birth.

Sources

This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available UK government guidance. Results should be used for informational purposes only.

Weekly Average: £0.00
Statutory Weekly Pay: £0.00
Total Paternity Pay: £0.00
2026 rates: £194.32 or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower.